A veterinary nurse deliberately poisoned her dog, causing it to collapse and have seizures.

Georgina Bretman offered no explanation for her actions, but the 28-year-old was described as an "attention-seeker" during her trial.

Bretman's dog, Florence, could have died as a result of being injected with insulin.

Bretman, of Rhu, Helensburgh, was banned from owning a dog for two years at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Friday and ordered to carry out 140 hours of unpaid work.

Sheriff Kerr said: "Flo was vulnerable and completely dependant on you for her care.

"Your motivation to cause her this suffering may never be known, you have chosen not to shed any light on that when you spoke to a social worker.

"You have expressed no remorse for causing Flo such suffering."

Vets at the out-of-hours pet A&E in Glasgow where Bretman worked became suspicious after Florence was brought in for emergency treatment several times with the same mysterious symptoms.

Bretman denied the charges against her and claimed she was not responsible for Florence's condition.

Florence has been under the care of the Scottish SPCA since the allegations against Bretman first emerged and is now in good health.

The charity is now looking for a new home for the six-year-old.

"Unfortunately this dog has missed out on a very large chunk of her life due to the length of time it has taken for the case to go through the courts," inspector Laura McIntyre said.

"Bretman caused Florence a great deal of unnecessary suffering and whilst we're disappointed that the disqualification isn't longer we do welcome the fact that she has been dealt with by the court.

"We hope that Bretman carefully considers her ability to care for animals in the future."